Hackney Half Heroes raise thousands of pounds for BID
Eight runners took on the challenge and raised over £4,500 for BID’s work.
Eight runners took on the Hackney Half on Sunday 19th May raising over £4,500 for BID’s work providing free legal advice to people locked up indefinitely in detention centres across the UK.
Sporting our bright blue kit, the team joined over 15,000 people as they ran an incredible 13.1 miles through London with fans, bands and DJs cheering them on from start to finish. We caught up with some of those who took part to hear all about the day.
“Indefinite immigration detention is a stain on democracy”
Caterina, a solicitor who specialises in immigration smashed her fundraising target by 836%
“In my job, I work very closely with immigrants, refugees, children and trafficking victims that every day spend time in a prison-like detention centres in the UK. I see the awful impact that detention has on the most vulnerable of society and the work that BID carries out for these people is so fundamental. Indefinite immigration detention is a stain on democracy and BID is there to help who is struggling to survive this awful practice. Deciding to fundraise for them was easy!”
Caterina’s employer Wilsons Solicitors generously matched what she raised contributing a further £1,045 towards her total. Michael, a partner at Wilsons Solicitors said:
“Ending immigration detention is a major human rights objective in the UK and we congratulate BID on its ongoing work. Very well done to Caterina in her fundraising effort and we are proud to be able to match fund the generosity which she inspired.”
“I was absolutely buzzing”
Tabitha was inspired to take on the Hackney Half after hearing about our work on social media:
“I wanted to run for BID because as a small charity you have total clarity over how you will be supporting those in need, you can see exactly where the money raised is going to make a tangible difference to someone’s life, for me this is very powerful.
"Training was hard because I developed shin splints so had to reduce the amount of running I could to. I continued to cross train and raise money for BID to keep me motivated.
“The day itself was really fun and because of the amazing atmosphere all of the nervousness I initially had totally subsided. The finish feeling was incredible, I was absolutely buzzing!
“If you’re thinking about taking part do it – this was my first half marathon and although I was terrified before I am now 99% sure I would do another! BID is such a wonderful charity, for an amazing cause and I would be honoured to be able to take part and support again in the future.”
“So many people in the UK are unaware of what is going on”
Millie ran for BID as she wanted to raise awareness about immigration detention:
“I wanted to get involved with BID not only to raise money but also raise awareness. So many people in the UK are unaware of what is going on, so running the half marathon gave me an opportunity to talk about it.
“I found fitting exercise into my daily life challenging, which is a sign of the times more than anything. However, this got easier with time and now I can confidently say that training is part of my weekly routine. So thanks BID!
“The day was so much fun! I can't wait to do it again next and try to beat my own time. The finish line was of course the best feeling of all, especially the beer you get given!
“It's such an amazing cause and you feel so great for running it. The whole day is such a joyous celebration, and you get a warm sense of community while running.”
“The charity is so important and the issue is really overlooked”
Fay decided to raise money for BID after following the Windrush scandal in the news:
“I wanted to fundraise for BID because the charity is so important and the issue is really overlooked in society!
“Mile 13 was most challenging but I listened to Fighter by Christina Aguilera to get me through and it was all worth it in the end!
“If you’re thinking of taking part I would say DO IT DO IT DO IT IT!!!!”
We’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who took part and all those that supported them. If you’d like to hear about opportunities to take on a challenge for BID, sign up to our mailing list.
